CINCINNATI (AP) — The attorney for an Ohio juvenile court judge set for trial in September says accusations against his client of backdating documents stem from a longstanding practice in the court where she works, and that she’s being targeted for political reasons.

Attorney Clyde Bennett argued Thursday that backdating documents was the norm in Hamilton County Juvenile Court before Judge Tracie Hunter took office in 2012.

Bennett spoke during a hearing on motions ahead of Hunter’s trial, including requests from her to have the charges dropped, and in lieu of that, a change of venue for the trial.

Hamilton County Judge Norbert Nadel says he’ll decide those issues at a later date.

Hunter has pleaded not guilty to nine felony charges of tampering with evidence, and theft in office.